BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Southern African leaders have called for the immediate release of political prisoners, an end to arbitrary arrests, and the safe return of political exiles as part of a comprehensive roadmap aimed at restoring constitutional order and lasting stability in Madagascar.
The resolutions were adopted during the Extraordinary Virtual Summit of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Heads of State and Government, held on Monday and chaired by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in his capacity as SADC Chairperson.
Eswatini was represented by Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, while other Heads of State and Government, or their representatives, from across the 16-member regional bloc also participated.
The summit focused primarily on the political and security situation in Madagascar following reports presented by the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, Malawi President Professor Arthur Peter Mutharika.
Leaders also considered findings from a fact-finding and diplomatic mission led by former Malawi President Dr Joyce Banda under the SADC Panel of Elders, which engaged a broad cross-section of political leaders, religious organisations, civil society groups and other stakeholders in Madagascar.
Following extensive deliberations, the summit urged the Government of Madagascar to remain committed to implementing transparent, inclusive and time-bound reforms capable of restoring democratic governance and constitutional order.
One of the summit’s strongest resolutions was a call for the release of political prisoners, an end to arbitrary arrests targeting opposition leaders and members of Generation Z, as well as the return of political exiles to participate freely in national dialogue and democratic processes.
Regional leaders stressed that lasting peace could only be achieved through inclusive dialogue involving government, opposition parties, churches and all sectors of society.
SADC further emphasised that constitutional rule and democratic governance must remain at the centre of the reform process, warning against unnecessary delays in returning power to a democratically elected government.
To strengthen the peace process, the summit approved an expanded mandate for the SADC Panel of Elders. Besides mediation, the panel will now oversee national reconciliation efforts, electoral reforms and preparations for both the constitutional referendum and future general elections.
The summit also approved the establishment of a SADC Liaison Office in Antananarivo to coordinate regional support and closely monitor implementation of agreed reforms.
Leaders commended the work undertaken by the SADC Panel of Elders, the Mediation Reference Group and former Mozambican President Dr Joaquim Chissano for their continued efforts to promote peace and stability in Madagascar.
Beyond Madagascar, the summit expressed deep concern over the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), warning that the deteriorating security situation threatened regional peace, public health and economic integration.
Member States reaffirmed their solidarity with the people of the DRC and called for coordinated regional action to contain the outbreak while safeguarding lives and strengthening regional health security.
Concluding the summit, SADC leaders reaffirmed their collective commitment to promoting peace, democracy, good governance, constitutionalism and sustainable development across Southern Africa.
The regional bloc also thanked President Ramaphosa for convening the Extraordinary Summit and acknowledged the participation and continued commitment of all member states towards advancing peace, stability and regional integration.
